Spied in Spain: 2016 Audi Q1

Audi has begun shakedown testing of its upcoming Q1 sub-compact crossover utility vehicle. As its name implies, the Q1 will slot beneath the Q3 in Audi’s current CUV lineup.

The last time we saw the Q1 it was testing in mule form beneath the body of a Volkswagen Tiguan. The Q1 is now testing in its own clothes, with everything from headlights to side view mirrors believed to be in production-spec form.

The Q1 will be a small crossover, but not as tiny as the MINI Countryman. In terms of overall footprint, the Q1 should be along the same lines as the Honda HR-V. Given those not-so-teeny-tiny dimensions, the Q1 is likely riding on VW’s MQB modular architecture rather than the A1’s hardware.

On the design front it looks as though the Q1 will diverge slightly from the typical Audi mold with a front grille that protrudes slightly and is position farther up the car’s “face.” Headlights on this prototype are standard kit, but LEDs will likely be available. At the back there is a sloping hatch typical of Audi Sportback models.

The entry-level Q1 is rumored to be powered by a three-cylinder diesel. Things get more exciting from there with a SQ1 model planned that will likely borrow the 2.0L turbodiesel from the Passat TDI. An RS Q1 could also be in the works with 310 horsepower from a gas mill.

The Audi Q1 is expected to make its market debut sometime next year. Performance variants of the Q1 will follow in 2017.